Chicago Bears Mock Draft 4.0: Beefing Up the Trenches

The NFL Draft is less than a month away, and Chicago Bears fans are angsty. With the top-end talent likely all being gone by pick 10 and commanding need on the Bears roster, the debates are non-stop and exhaustive. But this mock draft takes a route I haven't seen explored elsewhere. You can check out the Building The Board Homepage to keep track of all our scouting reports, podcast episodes, and video breakdowns.

Mock Draft 1.0

Mock Draft 2.0: Pre-Combine

Mock Draft 3.0: Post Free Agency

The Bears possess eight draft picks, including multiple picks in the second round. This mock draft includes eight selections and no trades. We used the PFF mock draft simulator to make selections and pieced together a projected depth chart, including the new rookies, at the end of the article.

Round 1, Pick 10: Oregon DT Derrick Harmon

Sure, the Bears can trade down in the PFF Mock Draft Simulator. I am not confident they will be able to trade down for much draft capital on draft day, though. Sitting at pick ten, they will likely be between players like Mykel Williams, Shemar Stewart, Omarion Hampton, or Colston Loveland. But what about Derrick Harmon? 

The Bears will likely be drafting a defensive tackle somewhere in this class, and Harmon is the second defensive tackle on our draft board and one of only ten players with an actual first-round grade. This is the best player available, in my opinion.

"Harmon would be an excellent addition to the Bears' defensive line. He has the power and mass to back up Andrew Billings and the athletic twitch to back up Gervon Dexter. The Bears' new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, would like such a versatile athlete in the room, as he runs a fair amount of stunts and games when he has the personnel to do so. The Bears should strongly consider Harmon at pick 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft or in a slight trade-down." - Quinten Krzysko

Round 2, Pick 39: Ohio State OL Donovan Jackson

In my initial scouting report, I noted that Jackson should be in play for the Bears starting in the mid-second round. My opinion of him has grown a little bit since then. His scheme and positional versatility would be extremely valuable to a Bears offensive line with a left tackle who has missed 11 games in the last two years, a right guard who has missed time in the previous three seasons, and a left guard who is 32 years old.

"The Bears need starters and depth on their interior offensive line, and Jacksons pedigree and versatility would be a valuable addition. Jackson has a scheme-versatile skillset that should hold value for whatever type of offense the Bears run in 2025." - Quinten Krzysko

Round 2, Pick 41: Ohio State EDGE Jack Sawyer

We continue to build the trenches with the addition of Jack Sawyer. He is a big, powerful EDGE rusher who fits Dennis Allen's defensive scheme well. While his arm length is a limiting factor, his power, hand usage, and interior versatility will do well in the Bears' defense. He also gives you the next man up if Montez Sweat or Dayo Odeyingbo is not with the team beyond the next two or three years.

"Dennis Allen wants a stout player who can stunt inside without losing their ability to defend the run. A player who is excellent at spiking offensive guards while still attached to offensive tackles, allowing looping defensive tackles free runs at the quarterback. And someone who can set a hard edge against the run while playing head-up on an offensive tackle. By my count, Sawyer checks all of those boxes. I expect the Bears to consider him with one of their second-round selections, maybe even in a trade-down." - Quinten Krzysko

Round 3, Pick 72: Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten

This is the tricky part about going trenches with the first three picks. All the ideal matches for the Bears at running back were gone by pick 72. That is not a knock on Tuten, though, who is one of my favorite runners in this class. Tuten is just a little bit redundant to D'Andre Swift. His explosive athletic abilities and breakaway speed would be entertaining in Ben Johnson's offense, though.

"King Tut would be an entertaining addition to Ben Johnson's offense. His big-play fireworks would be electric with a quality play-caller and designer like Johnson, and he would take pressure off of other players any time he is on the field. However, his skill set would be somewhat redundant to what D'Andre Swift currently offers. If Tuten is at pick 72, and the Bears still need a running back, I would welcome the pick. He might never be a three-down back, but he is a weapon that could change games if deployed correctly." - Quinten Krzysko

Round 5, Pick 148: Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans

The Bears need a backup tight end, and what better place to look than Notre Dame? Kmet and Evans will make a fighting Irish duo in Chicago for years to come as Ben Johnson doles out the pain in 12 personnel.

"For the Bears, Evans could serve as a TE2 behind Cole Kmet, particularly if they aim to incorporate more two tight-end formations. His capacity to contribute as a pass-catcher while continuing to develop as a blocker would make him a nice depth player who could evolve into a more significant role over time. While he may not be a game-breaking weapon, he’s the type of player likely to remain in the league for an extended period." - Luke O'Grady

Round 7, Pick 234: Wisconsin S Hunter Wohler